Bollywood actor Vidya Balan, who’s currently on the promotional spree of her OTT release Jalsa, recently revealed being rejected in 13 films. Ironically, she has been now received calls from the same filmmakers but she politely refuses their offer.
Speaking to Prabhat Khabar, Vidya Balan said, “In the recent times, I have received calls from them (producers who earlier replaced her in their films) but I politely refused to be part of their films. I was kicked out of 13 films. When one producer replaced me in a film, their behaviour with me was very bad. They made me feel so ugly that for six months, I could not gather the courage to look at myself in the mirror.”
Vidya Balan went on to reveal that she was also replaced in 2 films without notice which she had signed with K Balachander. Following which she walked in anger from Marine Drive to Bandra.
“I realised I had been walking for hours. I cried a lot. Those memories are hazy now but whatever I touched in those three years, turned useless,” Vidya told the portal further.
Speaking about Jalsa, Vidya Balan and Shefali Shah starrer also have an ensemble cast of Iqbal Khan, Manav Kaul and Rohini Hattangadi in the supporting roles. Jalsa is directed by Suresh Triveni and will stream on Amazon Prime from March 18.
Bollywood is considered to be among the biggest film industries of the world with multiple actors finding a place in the list of highest earning influential personalities. According to a report by Indian trade analyst Himesh Mankad, we have compiled a list of what the leading actresses of Hindi film Industry charge to act in a feature film in today’s time.
Deepika Padukone fetched rupees 15 crore to be a part of both Pathan and Gehraiyaan (It was increased from Rs 12 to 15 crore after the producers opted for an OTT release).
Alia Bhatt charges rupees in the range of 12-15 crores per film, However, the actress decided to cut short her fees to be a part of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s epic, Gangubai as also the Karan Johar directorial, Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani.
Its a tie between Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor, the two actresses, who continue to be among the biggest in today’s time having spent 17 and 21 years respectively in the industry. In terms of longevity and relevance, they have already surpassed many greats and their demand in the market is a testimony of their reach in the audience. Katrina Kaif fetched near about Rs 12 crore for Jee Le Zara, whereas Kareena Kapoor came on board director Sujoy Ghosh’s yet untitled thriller for a sum of Rs 12 crore.
Next in line are Priyanka Chopra and Anushka Sharma. Both of them have slowed down on their work front in Bollywood, however, they fetched big bucks for the last film they signed on for. Priyanka Chopra has got in the range of Rs 10 crore for Jee Le Zara, whereas had signed Sky Is Pink for Rs 8 crore. Anushka on the other hand fetched Rs 8 crore for her soon to release Netflix original. Kangana Ranaut’s acting fees is in the range of Rs 8 to 9 crore.
Most of the actresses in Bollywood have adopted an upfront fees model and Shraddha Kapoor is no different. The actress charged Rs 7 crore to be a part of Luv Ranjan’s next with Ranbir Kapoor.
Taapsee Pannu got Rs 5 crore for Loop Lapeta, whereas Vidya Balan has been a constant at Rs 4 crore for all her films over the last few years.
Kriti Sanon bagged Ganapath for a sum of Rs 4 crore, with Kiara Advani getting on the Raj Mehta directed Jug Jugg Jeeyo for Rs 2.50 crore.
Jacqueline Fernandez and Disha Patani are stable at Rs 2.50 and 2.00 crore per film, whereas Janhvi Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan are twinning even here at a market value of Rs 2 crore each.
Ananya Panday on the other hand is in the vicinity of Rs 1.50 crore.
Transnational stars have reacted to the video in which a Muslim student, Muskan Khan, wearing a burqa was surrounded by Hindutva mob on Tuesday within her college premises.
In a video, it can be seen that the mob with saffron shawls are shouting at her, chanting “Jai Shri Raam”. Khan fearlessly retaliated by shouting back “Allah Hu Akbar” (God is Great).
In the midst of the chaos in the Hijab row, several Indian celebrities have weighed in their opinion too. Here’s what filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, actress Richa Chadha, comedian Munawar Faruqui, actor-politician Kamal Haasan, actress Swara Bhasker and filmmaker Onir said.
I have never been in favour of Hijab or Burqa. I still stand by that but at the same time I have nothing but deep contempt for these mobs of hooligans who are trying to intimidate a small group of girls and that too unsuccessfully. Is this their idea of “MANLINESS” . What a pity
The cops appear at the end of this video and the stone pelting lot scramble in the opposite direction! Run rabbit run! What a cowardly,misguided bunch! https://t.co/BP7QLbaXST
(1/3) I grew up in the Middle East. It was common for a lot of my fellow students to wear a hijab with their uniform. The varied cultural practices that kids from different countries brought to school, made my childhood richer. The freedom to express one’s identity is sacred.
(2/3) Clearly it’s political & there is a lot of fear and scared parents and children but why aren’t more of you standing up for them? Also, why is policing always ominpresent when it comes to what women wear? Why is the brunt always on a particular gender?
Kamal Haasan said that the event is sparking unrest in the country.
“A religious poison wall is being erected among the students who are not lying. What is happening in the neighbouring state beyond the single wall should not come to Tamil Nadu. It is time for the progressive forces to be more careful (sic),” he wrote.
கர்நாடகாவில் நடப்பது கலக்கத்தைத் தூண்டுகிறது. கள்ளமில்லா மாணவர்கள் மத்தியில் மதவாத விஷச் சுவர் எழுப்பப்படுகிறது. ஒற்றைச் சுவர் தாண்டியிருக்கும் பக்கத்து மாநிலத்தில் நடப்பது தமிழ்நாட்டுக்கும் வந்துவிடக் கூடாது. முற்போக்கு சக்திகள் மேலும் கவனமாக இருக்க வேண்டிய காலம் இது.
Divided We Fall .. That is what these RSS goons wants . Weaken us from within … this won’t be easy to heal . Wake up people .. STOP THIS VIRUS NOW https://t.co/DmZsDkDB9O
Pakistani star Feroze Khan took to his Instagram stories while sharing the video, he wrote that this is how a lioness looks like.
Indian actor and Bigg Boss finalist Aly Goni also condemned the mob.
Kiran Tabier also appreciated the girl for her courage.
Pakistani politicians and journalists have expressed their concern and called out Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s fascist government amid the hijab ban in the Indian state Karnataka.
The backlash on Modi is coming after a Muslim student, Muskan Khan, wearing a burqa was surrounded by Hindutva mob on Tuesday within her college premises.
In a video, it can be seen that the mob with saffron shawls are shouting at her, chanting “Jai Shri Raam”. Khan fearlessly retaliated by shouting back “Allah Hu Akbar” (God is Great).
In an interview with NDTV, Khan said, “Since I started studying here, I’ve always worn the burqa and hijab.” Asked if she knew the men who bullied and harassed her, Khan responded, “Some were familiar faces from the college. Others I couldn’t recognise. My college principal and lecturers were very supportive after the incident took place.”
Reacting to her video, Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mahmood Qureshi strongly condemned the banning of Hijab at educational institutions in India. He said, “World must realise this is part of Indian state plan of ghettoisation of Muslims.”
He has also urged Indian Muslims to stand up for their rights in the neighbouring country, reportsRadio Pakistan.
Praising Muskan Khan for her courage, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president and Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif said, “A young Muslim Indian girl is a symbol of resistance against the Hindutva mindset.”
The controversy over the Hijab row in Karnataka began on Jan 1, 2022 when Muslim girl students of state-run PU College in Karnataka’s Udupi alleged that they were denied entry into the college for wearing Hijab. Principal Rudra Gowda said that the rule was being followed to ensure uniformity in classrooms.
Thereafter, many girls protested wearing saffron scarves saying that if hijab was allowed inside, then saffron scarves should be worn too. Allegations also emerged that Hindu groups were forcing boys to wear saffron shawls.
The trailer of Alia Bhatt starrer Gangubai Kathiawadi has been released The much-anticipated trailer depicts the real-life story of a sex worker in Mumbai’s Kamathipura who was forced into prostitution at a young age.
Directed and produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the movie will release in cinemas on 25th Feb 2022.
Gangubai Kathiawadi also features Ajay Devgn, Jim Sarbh, Seema Pahwa and Vijay Raazi.
Have a look at the trailer:
Many celebrities have praised Alia and the trailer:
Actor Yasir Hussain has criticised local film industry for “not telling our own stories.” The Jhooti actor referred to the announcement of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s forthcoming Netflix series, ‘Heera Mandi’.
He wants local filmmakers to cover it’s own cultural heritage.
“Yah Hai Lahore Mai aur Movie Indians bana rahy hain. Phir hum Kahengy sab ghalat Dikhaya,” wrote Yasir.
“Pata Nahi hum Apni Cheezon Kay bary mai kab baat karengy. Apni Kahaniyan Kab Sunaengy,” he added.
The period drama titled Heera Mandi will revolve around the lives of sex workers, working in Lahore’s red-light area.
In a statement, Bhansali said, “Heeramandi is an important milestone in my journey as a filmmaker. This is an epic, first of its kind series based on the courtesans of Lahore. It is an ambitious, grand and all-encompassing series; therefore I am nervous yet excited about making it. I am looking forward to my partnership with Netflix and bringing Heera Mandi to audiences all over the world.”
The three leading ladies are collaborating for the first time, Katrina also featured as the leading lady in Excel’s last road trip, the Blockbuster Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.
Sharing the first look at the film, Alia wrote, “Did someone say road trip?”
Art knows no boundaries and Pakistani celebrities don’t shy away to express their love for Indian artists and vice versa. Recently four cross-border stories of love and appreciation have grabbed the attention of people from both the countries.
Here are the artists who have praised and appreciated each other in their own ways:
Sarwat Gilani and Alia Bhatt
Pakistani actress Sarwat Gillani believes that talent should be appreciated even if the artist belongs to another country. The Churails star recently took to Instagram to let her fans know that her praise will not be confined by borders.
Replying to a comment of a fan asking her why Pakistani celebrities praise Bollywood actors even though, according to the fan, they are much more talented than their Indian counterparts.
Sarwat gracefully replied back and lauded Bhatt by commenting, “We must learn to appreciate the people who deserve our praise. You don’t know how hard they’ve worked to get where they are. Alia Bhatt is an amazing artist and praise knows no boundaries or borders.”
Sajal Aly and Shabana Azmi
Veteran Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi showered love on Sajal Aly after the latter posted her dazzling photos. Both the actresses are working together in a Hollywood film titled as What’s Love got to do with it? When the Alif actress shared her stills from a photoshoot, Shabana displayed her love for her by commenting, “Hai main mar javaan!!!”.
Imran Abbas and Geeta Kapur
Imran Abbas recently showered love on the acclaimed Indian choreographer Geeta Kapur.
In a surfaced video from the Indian reality show Super Dancer 4, veteran actress Neetu Kapoor praised Geeta which the Kuch Kuch Hota Hai fame posted on her Instagram handle. The Thora Sa Haq actor commented on her post and Geeta was quick to respond back.
Zara Noor Abbas and Shah Rukh Khan
Zara engaged in a Q&A session with her followers on Twitter. A fan asked her about her favourite movie of Shah Rukh Khan, to which she replied, “There isn’t one, I love every single film of his, every ad, every interview and every sentence”.
Ek naheen hai. Hur movie favourite hai. Hur commercial unka. Hur interview. Hur baat!! https://t.co/naU4mf6SNb
— Zara Noor Abbas Siddiqui (@ZaraNoorAbbas) June 27, 2021
Earlier, veteran actor Simi Raheel’s sweet interaction with Johnny Lever won transnational hearts. The actress par excellence gushed over how good it felt to receive praise from the Bollywood legend.
Superstar Mahira Khan celebrated 10 years of acting career recently with a special post on Instagram, the actress was showered with love from local and transnational celebrities.
Pakistani dramas have been appreciated by many famous Indian celebrities especially ever since the Zee Zindagi channel started airing the dramas in India.
Here is a list of 10 Indian superstars, who love Pakistani dramas:
Amitabh Bachchan
While talking to BBC Urdu Amitabh Bachchan shared how he felt about Pakistani dramas and also about Pakistani actors and singers coming to India to work. He said, ”I like it when people from Pakistan come to work in India. We have seen the work done in Pakistan. The drama serials that are shown on Pakistani television are exceptional. A channel in India is dedicated to showing Pakistani drama serials which are very fine and I accept the fact that Pakistani TV serials are far superior to those which are being made in India. The artist in Pakistan are brilliant too. Even very long ago many Pakistani serials were extraordinary.”
Neetu Kapoor
Neetu Kapoor is an avid Pakistani drama viewer and she loves some Pakistani actors such as “Fawad, Mawra and Saba”. She even went on to the sets of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil to meet Fawad after seeing Zindagi Gulzar Hai.
While talking to Daily Pakistan, Neetu Kapoor, wife of the late actor Rishi Kapoor, sent out a special message for Saba Qamar while revealing that she’s her greatest fan of acting. “You know Saba! I am your greatest fan, I think you are outstanding,” she exclaimed. Adding to it further, she said; “I watch all of your Pakistani serials. I follow you all the time and I think you are absolutely amazing.” Now, that is indeed a compliment!
Kajol
In an interview for with a local media outlet of Pakistan, Kajol once said: “My mother-in-law follows them (Pakistani Dramas) religiously on this channel called Cine Dosti. I have managed to watch a few episodes with her and was really impressed. They have good content and the language is extremely pleasant to hear.” She shared that Indian television producers have a lot to learn from Pakistani dramas, which are much shorter and crisper in comparison. “They finish one story in 15 episodes, which is fabulous and makes it very interesting to watch.”
R. Madhavan
Indian Actor, who is famously known for his role in 3 Idiots, once praised Pakistani dramas in an interview with The Express Tribune. Speaking about Pakistani dramas, he said, “I think they’re phenomenal. They’ve caught on really well and the people are relating to them. There’s so much that’s common in both the countries.” adding, “I’m a huge fan of some of the actors there and the movies from there.”
Kirron Kher
Kirron Kher, who has also worked in Pakistan, giving an interview to Express Tribune, said that Pakistani dramas are unparalleled. She also hoped to work with actors the likes of Mahira Khan, Sanam Saeed and Fahad Mustafa on TV. She said that she feels such collaborations would churn out interesting content for audiences of both the countries.
Zarina Wahab
Veteran Bollywood actress Zarina Wahab, in a Whatsapp message, praised Ahsan Khan for his work in Qayamat, writing: “As Rashid, you are too much… Excellent work.” Written by Sarwat Nazir and directed by Ali Faizan, Qayamat features Neelam Muneer, Haroon Shahid, Saba Faisal, Shabbir Jan and Amar Khan besides Khan.
Alia Bhatt
Preparing herself for an incredible role of a lifetime, Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt revealed that she took inspiration for her character in Kalank from Pakistani actor Sanam Saeed’s Kashaf in TV drama Zindagi Gulzar Hai.
Vidya Balan
Vidya loves Pakistani dramas and she even tweeted about Fahad Mustafa-Sanam Baloch starrer Kankar on twitter.
Im liking my new habit of watching Zindagi channel on d mornings after my night shoots,d latest reason for my masrufeeyat?.Kankar is ace!
Karan took to his Instagram stories and appreciated drama Suno Chanda. Praising the drama, he wrote: “Kamal Drama. Hai Yaar”
Meera Chopra
Bollywood Actress Meera Chopra, who is a cousin of Priyanka Chopra and Parineeti Chopra praised Humayun Saeed & Ayeza Khan starrer Mere Paas Tum Ho. The actress was massively impressed by Humayun and Adnan Siddiqui’s performance in the drama. She turned to her social media handle and wrote, “Watching Meray Pass Tum Ho, finding the show extremely slow. But both these men Humayun Saeed and Adnan Siddiqui, you guys are amazing. Can’t help to hate one and love the other, what performances. I’ve become fan for life.”
Australian cricketer David Warner, who knows how to entertain his followers on social media, recently shared a face swap video in which he superimposed his face on actor Tiger Shroff’s and the clip is creating waves on the social media.
“Back by Popular demand,” wrote Warner while sharing the clip on Instagram.
David used a snippet from The Hook Up song from the movie Student of The Year 2, which also features actress, Alia Bhatt.
Former Pakistan cricketer and commentator Ramiz Raja had also shared a video of himself on social media, swapping his face with Johnny Depp from his movie Pirates of the Caribbean film series.
“Got this sent and was gobsmacked (Face without a mouth). So intriguing and amusing what an app can do. Could really have been a real me in terms of roughness if that quarantine had continued any longer,” wrote Raja while sharing the clip on Twitter.
Got this sent and was gobsmacked So intriguing and amusing what an app can do. Could really have been a real me in terms of roughness if that quarantine had continued any longer! pic.twitter.com/pehOoj5bKL
